Everyone should know who is ultimately responsible for the Blackhawks’ salary cap surge of the summer of 2010.

The culprits are Brian Campbell and the man who signed him, former General Manager Dale Tallon. Just like Cristobal Huet was awarded a huge and unworthy contract a few years ago, so was Campbell. The 31-year-old former No. 1 defenseman has the second highest cap hit for a defenseman in the NHL. He makes $7.14 million per year, just $400,000 less than Zdeno Chara’s hefty salary.

His cap hit is the highest on the team, yet he is at best a No. 4 defenseman for the Blackhawks behind Norris trophy winner Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and up-and-comer Niklas Hjalmarsson.

Had Chicago found a suitor for Campbell via trade, the team could have retained all of the players that were let go this summer.

Now, we will see if Campbell can have the impact that those 8 departed players did. Don’t hold your breath.